Roane County Republican Party Chairwoman Flo Charles kept her comments at a minimum when asked about the voting record of county road superintendent candidate Brian Mullins.
According to Election Commission records, Mullins has voted in Democratic primaries eight times since 1998, but he’s now running as a Republican.
“Mr. Brian Mullins’ word of being a Republican now, I would say some things about that, but I won’t,” Charles said.

Rockwood officials sped through a list of amendments to a proposed 2013 budget before failing to pass a first reading at a recent special-called meeting.
One of the hot-button amendments that failed was to return funding for a city administrator, which is now empty since the vacancy of recently dethroned Jack Miller.
Council members Pete Wright, Jason Jolly and Jane Long voted down returning the funding for the position despite Vice Mayor Peggy Evans’ earlier pleas to the contrary.

Some people serving time decided to take advantage of those long hours by pursuing an opportunity to make a difference in their lives. They are getting their GEDs, an alternative path for those who did not earn a high school diploma.
Lt. Maretta McNichol, who oversees Roane County jail operations, said many of the individuals she comes across at the jail want something more for themselves and their families.
“People grow up, and people do change,” McNichol said. “They do want to better their lives.”

By DWANE WILDERdwilder@roanecounty.com
Fourteen law enforcement officers underwent training last week during a Critical Incident Response/Active Shooter class hosted by Roane State Community College’s main campus.
The class was a cooperative effort between the Harriman Police Department and Roane State. Instructors were from Tactical Advantages Corp., a private Knoxville-based company that offers training in law enforcement tactics.

Harriman officials and the owner of a strip of land fronting Ruby Tuesdays are fighting over whether the city can order the lots to be mowed.
“They want me to mow it, make it like a lawn so it will be attractive to customers at Ruby Tuesdays,” said Gerald Largen, a local attorney and a columnist for the Roane County News.
Largen contends he’s not required to mow the property; the city begs to differ.

A home in Midtown was heavily damaged in a fire Thursday afternoon at 235 Martin Hollow Road.
“The people stated they had gone to pick up someone from work and when they returned they found it on fire,” said Midtown Fire Chief Randy Scarborough. “I reckon they’ll be staying with relatives that live nearby.”

STAFF REPORTS
Harriman police have charged an 18-year-old female with breaking into Hilltop Pawn Shop.
Rachel Inman, 229 Roberts St., Harriman, was arrested on July 16. Court records said she’s charged with burglary, burglary/attempted and receiving or concealing stolen property.
According to one of the affidavits filed against Inman, an officer was dispatched to the pawn shop at 1212 South Roane St. in May to take a burglary report. The affidavit said the officer observed damage to the ceiling while on the scene.

Applications are available for energy assistance at several locations.
Clients must be responsible for paying their own energy cost.
Those locations where applications are available include: Harriman Utility Board; the County Executive’s office in the Roane County Courthouse, Kingston; Oliver Springs’ Water Department; Riverbend Market in Midway at the intersection of Hwys. 58 and 72; Rockwood Electric Utility and the United Way office, Midtown.
Applications also available online at www.mecaa.net